If you are looking for a sport for your children that is safe, fun and low cost, look no further than soccer. Soccer is arguably the world’s most popular team sport. This is due in large part because it requires very little equipment or training. If you are contemplating soccer as an activity for your child, here are a few of the benefits you can expect.
Ask yourself what you can do to help your team. If you are one of the most skilled players on the field, take the lead and act as a play maker. If other players are more skilled and experienced than you, you can be a lot more useful by supporting them.
Communication is key with the game of soccer. If you are about to make a certain move, it is important that the players on your team know about it. If you do not want to speak about the move out loud, come up with a signal you can give your teammates.
Kick the soccer ball with the inside of your foot for the greatest accuracy in short passing. Long passing can be improved upon by kicking the ball off the front part of your foot, down towards the laces. It is important to not only maintain control of the ball, but to kick with accuracy as well.
Learn how to freeze a defender. Doing this causes the defender that’s coming after you to stop in their tracks to figure out your next move, which gives you time to maneuver around the field. To do this, act like you’re going for a long kick or shot just before they reach you. If done correctly, they’ll either turn to a side to cease the fake motion or freeze to see what you’re doing next.
Passing the ball in one direction for several plays in a row will establish a pattern. The defense will notice the pattern and wait for it. Then, you will have the opportunity to surprise the defense by dribbling or passing in the opposite direction.
If you’re in possession of the ball and you have people coming at you, pretend like you’re about to pass to someone. This should cause them to pause momentarily, which will give you a few extra seconds to decide what you want to do. It will be even more helpful if you are animated.
Don’t fall for flocking near the ball when everyone does. Many teams and players make this mistake. If your opponent has the ball, there only needs to be one other person there. If your teammate has it, let them have some space. Just make sure you have a player behind the person with the ball or the person that’s going to try to steal it.
Make sure that you stretch both before and after a soccer game or practice. Running up and down the field combined with kicking the ball, can put a lot of stress on your muscles. Stretching can help you to avoid injuries on the field while you are playing and prevent you from being sore after the game.
Be more direct in your soccer play. Don’t hesitate or hold back when you’re out on the field. Train yourself to run, attack and play aggressively in order to become more effective. Indecision slows you down and makes it less likely that you’ll find a quick path to the goal.
Try not to stare at the ball. When you are playing soccer, you have to look up at all times. This is the only way you will be able to pass or shoot. This may seem very awkward, but you will get used to this as you keep playing the game.
Do everything you can to learn various soccer moves if you want to be a great player. It is never wise to make the same moves all of the time because opposing teams will know what to expect. This means they will have an easier time getting control of the ball.
Teaching is a great way to learn. Teach the younger players on other teams, or focus on helping the younger or more inexperienced players on your own team. This helps validate your skills and can give you that extra confidence boost when playing against your opponents. Teach and you will learn.
Soccer is the perfect way to get your children to exercise while having fun. Soccer is a game that incorporates a lot of foot and eye coordination which helps build fine motor skills. Also because of the amount of running done during a soccer match, kids get the necessary cardiovascular exercises to stay healthy.
Having read this article it’s time to find a local soccer club or school program and get your kids started. Studies have shown that kids who play team sports do better in school and tend to stay out of trouble. Couple that with the valuable skills and the excellent exercise they’ll get from playing and the benefits are obvious.
